Any assessment of Contemporary Christian Music in the 1980s and 90s would have to include the name Steve Camp. His first national release, “Sayin’ It With Love,” topped the then fledgling Christian charts in 1978, 45 years ago. He put out a steady stream of top selling albums and singles for the next 20 years.
But in 1998 he did something that amplified his influence far beyond the Christian music scene. While on tour in Europe, he visited the church where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, an event that many say ushered in the Reformation. Camp sent out his own 107 theses on Reformation Day (October 31), 1998, calling for a reformation in contemporary Christian music: calling Christian musicians to make direct, uncompromising music that confronts the world with the message of the scriptures.
Camp’s 107 Theses was widely covered at the time in Christian media, and some of the ideas he introduced are being hotly debated even today. So when I heard that Steve Camp had a new album out, his first in more than 15 years, I could not resist the opportunity to have a chat with him. We talk about his new album, “Neighbors in an Age of Rage,” and his work as a pastor of a church in Florida.
By the way, you can find Steve Camp’s 107 Theses here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
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The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel. We get database, technical, and editorial support from Christina Darnell, Kim Roberts, Stephen duBarry, and Casey Sudduth.
Until next time – may God bless you.
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